Popular Names for Bichon Frise

Meaning 'moon' in Latin, Luna perfectly captures the Bichon Frise's radiant, pure white coat, which stands out like the moon against a dark night. This celestial brightness is enhanced by the breed's dark 'haloes' around the eyes, creating a striking contrast. The name reflects the serene beauty of their appearance, reminiscent of the pampered dogs of Renaissance courts, while also hinting at their playful, almost magical energy that lights up a room, much like their historical circus performer ancestors.

From the Latin word 'luna', meaning 'moon'. It was the name of the Roman goddess of the moon.

A timeless and friendly name meaning 'free man', Charlie embodies the Bichon Frise's cheerful, sociable, and unbound spirit. This name reflects their journey from the structured life of French royal courts to the adaptable, clever street performer charming passersby. The name's classic appeal mirrors the breed's enduring popularity as a companion, while its unpretentious nature captures the clownish antics and the famous 'Bichon Blitz' that reveal their playful, free-spirited heart beneath the elegant exterior.

A diminutive of Charles, which comes from the Germanic name Karl, meaning 'free man'.

Meaning 'beautiful' in Italian, Bella is a direct tribute to the Bichon Frise's charming appearance and its deep historical roots in the Italian nobility. Italian sailors were instrumental in reintroducing the breed to Europe, where they became favorites in the courts. This name captures the pampered elegance that inspired the French verb 'bichonner' (to pamper). It reflects their 'powder puff' coat, dark expressive eyes, and the graceful carriage of their plumed tail, a picture of refined beauty.

Italian for 'beautiful', derived from the Latin 'bellus'. It gained widespread popularity as a given name in the 18th century.

A name evoking the image of a soft, cuddly teddy bear, which perfectly describes the Bichon Frise's appearance and affectionate nature. Their dense, curly double coat and round, dark eyes give them a living-toy quality. This name captures the essence of their role as a companion dog, bred for centuries to provide comfort and joy. It also subtly hints at their sturdy build beneath the fluff, as they are more robust than they appear, a trait necessary for their survival as street performers after the French Revolution.

A diminutive of Theodore, meaning 'gift of God', or Edward, meaning 'rich guard'. Its use for bears comes from US President Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt.

Named after the cheerful, white-petaled flower, Daisy perfectly encapsulates the Bichon Frise's bright, happy-go-lucky personality. The name evokes their pure white coat, which contrasts beautifully with their dark eyes and nose, much like the daisy's white petals around its dark center. This name reflects the breed's inherent optimism and playful spirit, traits that allowed them to thrive both as pampered royal companions in the French courts and as engaging circus performers delighting crowds with their tricks.

From the Old English 'dægeseage', meaning 'day's eye', because the flower's petals open at dawn and close at dusk.

A classic name meaning 'greatest', Max offers a charmingly ironic twist for the diminutive Bichon Frise. While small in stature, they possess a large personality, full of confidence and charisma. This name reflects the 'greatness' of their history, from being favorites of King Henry III to winning Best in Show at Westminster. It also speaks to the immense love and joy they bring to their families, proving that greatness is not measured in size but in spirit. Their intelligence and adaptability are certainly among their 'greatest' traits.

A short form of Maximilian, derived from the Latin 'Maximus', meaning 'greatest'.

This name directly honors the Canary Island of Tenerife, a pivotal location in the Bichon Frise's history. Spanish sailors are credited with introducing the breed's ancestors to the island, and for centuries, the dogs were known as the 'Bichon Tenerife'. The name evokes a sense of sunny, exotic origins and a history of sea travel. It acknowledges their cosmopolitan heritage, which began long before they became famous in French courts, and highlights their role as companions to sailors on long voyages across the Mediterranean.

The name of the largest of the Canary Islands, Spain. The etymology is debated but may derive from the Guanche language, meaning 'white mountain'.

A chic and playful French diminutive, Gigi is quintessentially suited to the Bichon Frise's character and French connection. The name exudes a sense of pampered elegance, calling to mind the beribboned lapdogs of the French aristocracy under kings like Francis I and Henry III. Its bubbly, energetic sound also perfectly captures the breed's clownish personality and their famous 'Bichon Blitz'. It’s a name that balances sophistication with a touch of mischievous fun, mirroring the breed's dual history as both a courtier and a performer.

A French pet name, often a diminutive of names like Georgine or Virginie. It became famous through the 1944 novella and 1958 film of the same name.

Milo, a name with Germanic roots meaning 'soldier' or 'merciful', offers a gentle yet spirited identity for a Bichon Frise. While not a soldier in the traditional sense, the Bichon has shown remarkable resilience and fortitude, surviving the fall of the French aristocracy to reinvent themselves as circus dogs. The name's soft sound complements their cuddly appearance and affectionate nature, while its historic meaning hints at the sturdy, adaptable spirit that lies beneath their 'powder puff' exterior and hypoallergenic coat.

Of disputed origin, possibly from the Germanic element 'mil', meaning 'gracious' or 'merciful', or the Slavic 'milu', meaning 'dear, beloved'.

Named after the graceful willow tree, known for its slender, flexible branches, this name reflects the Bichon Frise's elegance and adaptability. The image of a willow suggests a gentle, flowing quality, much like the soft, curly texture of the Bichon's double coat. This name also speaks to the breed's resilience; like a willow that bends without breaking, the Bichon adapted from a life of royal luxury to one of street performance after the French Revolution, showcasing their incredible inner strength and flexible nature.

From the Old English 'welig', referring to the willow tree, which is often associated with grace and elegance.